Best Essential Oils For Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

People use essential oils for cold sores for several reasons. For one, they can minimize future outbreaks by addressing the main triggers of cold sores. They can also interfere with the reproduction of the causative virus to prevent infection. Lastly, essential oils could ease the symptoms people with this condition normally experience.

What Exactly Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores—also called oral herpes and fever blisters—are a common viral infection. Approximately 50 to 80 percent of adults in the United States suffer from oral herpes, making them at risk for cold sores. [1] And by the time they reached their fifties, around 90 percent of adults are already exposed to the cold sore virus, according to the National Institutes of Health. [2]

Cold sores are small (around 2mm to 3mm) and fluid-filled blisters that form in nickel-sized clusters. Typically, the blisters appear around the mouth and on the lips. The appearance of cold sores slowly changes as they go through several stages.

People may feel pain, tingling, or itching sensation around their lips a day or two before the blisters appear. Then, small and hard blisters may form a cluster and rupture, creating superficial and open sores. This is the stage wherein a person is most infectious and in the most excruciating pain. On day five or eight, the blisters become dry then crust over. Generally, cold sores heal within two weeks to one month without leaving any scars.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common cause of cold sores. An infected person spread this virus through skin-to-skin contact, like kissing. It enters the body of a noninfected person through small breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (like in the mouth). The risk of getting an infection is higher if you had direct contact with the blisters or sores during an outbreak.

How Do You Get Rid of Cold Sores?

There is no cure for herpes simplex virus infection. In most cases, they go away without treatment.

However, there are several ways to manage its symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, which are more effective if you take them within the first two days of the outbreak. Applying ice or numbing medicines (like Zilactin and Orajel) reduce pain or discomfort in the mouth or on the lips. Other products, like Abreva, can speed up the healing time of cold sores.

There are also several natural home remedies to prevent or treat cold sores, one of which is essential oils. Here are a few essential oils you can use to treat cold sores.

6 Best Essential Oils for Cold Sores Relief

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

In a German study, the result suggested that it could be effective in treating infections caused by the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. [3] It works by killing the herpes simplex virus, including a strain of HSV-1 that’s resistant to acyclovir, before it attaches and penetrates a susceptible host cell. Researchers concluded that peppermint essential oil is an effective topical remedy for recurrent herpes infections.

How to use peppermint essential oil for cold sores:

Important: Wash your hands before and after touching your cold sores. Use non-reusable materials. And make sure you dispose them properly to avoid spreading the infection to other people.

Mix 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and 2 teaspoons of carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil). You can use this on an affected area once you feel a tingling or itching sensation or when the blisters crust over. To apply, dip an organic cotton ball or cotton swab into the oil blend then apply to the affected area several times a day.

Or, you can use a lip balm infused with peppermint essential oil for convenience. Insert a cotton swab into the peppermint lip balm, scoop a small amount, and coat your cold sores with it.

What are its side effects?

Peppermint essential oil is typically non-toxic and non-irritating if you use it in low amounts. However, never use it without diluting it first to avoid skin irritations and other side effects.

Those who have gastrointestinal problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and gallstones (or other gallbladder problems)

Those who are taking certain medications, such as antacids

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is highly prized for its healing properties. Aboriginal Australians used it as an antiseptic to treat skin infections. In aromatherapy, it’s useful for strengthening the immune system, purifying and freshening the air, and cleaning home surfaces.

Tea tree oil contains potent antiviral compounds. In one study, researchers found out that thyme, eucalyptus, and tea tree essential oils reduced the ability of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to cause an infection by up to 96%. [4] Tea tree oil’s terpene hydrocarbons (sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and their associated alcohols) are responsible for its activity against the several viruses.

How to use tea tree oil for cold sores:

The best way to benefit from the medicinal effects of tea tree oil is to use it in lotion, cream, or gel form. You can easily buy these from online shops or local pharmacies. But if you’re a “do it yourself” type of person, try making this tea tree oil salve:

Slowly melt the yellow beeswax in a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a slow cooker or a heat-resistant mason jar. Fill a pot with water to around half-way up the mason jar. Bring the water to a simmer until the beeswax melts. Add the virgin coconut oil or almond oil.)

Remove the beeswax from the heat. Mix well until it becomes creamy. Once it cools, add 10 drops of tea tree oil and other essential oils (if any).

After mixing it thoroughly, pour the mixture to a dark jar. Store in a cool, dark place. Use it within six months.

Test for allergy by applying a thin layer on the skin of your inner forearm. Wait for at least 30 minutes for hypersensitivity reaction.

What are its side effects?

Tea tree oil is generally safe to use topically in low concentrations. But undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritations, such as mild itching and blistering, because it contains different amounts of 1,8-cineole.

Never swallow it because it may cause serious reactions, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, upset stomach, hallucinations, extreme sleepiness, abnormal blood cells, rashes, and loss of muscle control in the legs and arms.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Lemongrass essential oil is not only a good flavoring or massage oil, but it’s also ideal to use for treating cold sores. It contains aldehydes (geranial and neral) that help relieve feelings of stress, which could reactivate the cold sore virus.

Cold sores can be painful. This oil may help ease the pain and inflammation because of limonene, a compound in lemongrass that reduces inflammation and kills bacteria. [5]

A study shows lemongrass essential oil can also be an effective treatment against the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Among the 12 antiviral essential oils the researchers studied, lemongrass essential oil was the only oil that completely prevented the replication of the HSV-1 virus even at a low concentration of 0.1%. Its antiviral activity depends on its concentration. [6]

How to use lemongrass essential oil for cold sores:

When making your own lemongrass healing salve, feel free to experiment and combine it with other essential oils. Lemongrass essential oil combines well with tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and geranium essential oils.

Heat your beeswax pellets and carrier oil in a small double boiler until liquified.

After the beeswax pellets melt, take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool a little before adding your essential oils. Mix thoroughly using a stainless-steel cocktail stirrer.

Transfer the mixture into a dark-tinted jar or salve tin, and then store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months.

What are its side effects?

You can safely use lemongrass essential oil if you dilute it properly with a carrier oil and use it in small doses. If you don’t dilute it, it could burn your skin because it has high amounts of citral.

The following people should avoid this essential oil:

Diabetics and people with low blood sugar levels

Those who are taking medications for high blood pressure and diabetes

Those with certain health conditions, such as diseases affecting the liver or kidney

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Since ancient times, thyme essential oil has been valued for its cleansing and purifying effect. It also contains properties that support a healthy immune system, ease feelings of anxiety and nervousness, reduce pain, lighten scars and skin marks, and fight extreme tiredness and insomnia.

Like other essential oils for cold sores, thyme essential oil has antiviral activity against the herpes simplex virus. Researchers suggest that thyme essential oil (and ginger, hyssop, and sandalwood essential oils) is most effective against herpes simplex virus type 1 that floats freely in the blood. The essential oils affect the virus before it attaches to the susceptible host cell. [7]

How to use thyme essential oil for cold sores:

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons of coconut oil (solid form)

5 drops of thyme essential oil

2 ounces of rosewater (It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease skin redness and irritation.)

1 tablespoon of organic honey

A small amount of yogurt or whole milk

Handheld or stand mixer

Double boiler

Mason jar with a wide opening

Preparation:

Gradually melt the coconut oil in a double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can use a heat-resistant pitcher or jar, which you can place in the middle of a saucepan filled with water.

Next, pour the raw honey and rosewater into the double boiler. Mix well using a mixer or whisk.

Remove the double boiler from the heat. Once it has cooled slightly, add the yogurt and thyme essential oil. Stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to cool until it solidifies.

Use it within six months. Make sure you wash your hands before touching this healing salve to prevent contamination.

What are its side effects?

Thyme essential oil is a potent oil. It may cause allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to mint and rosemary essential oils. Never take this by mouth because it can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other health issues involving your heart and lungs. If you have hyperthyroidism (hyperactive thyroid gland) or high blood pressure, stay away from this essential oil.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger essential oil is a potent essential oil with numerous health benefits. But it’s popularly used for relieving pain (if used topically) and nausea (if inhaled) and as a digestive aid.

Around 90% of ginger essential oil is composed of sesquiterpenes, which are responsible for its ability to treat certain illnesses and discomforts, such as inflammation and viral or bacterial infection. Study shows that the same compounds have a high level of activity against the herpes simplex virus type 1. [8]

How to use ginger essential oil for cold sores:

1. Ingredients:

4 teaspoons of olive oil or coconut oil (or other carrier oils that you like)

10 drops of ginger essential oil

A dark glass bottle with cover

Preparation:

Pour your carrier oil to the glass bottle, and then add the ginger essential oil one drop at a time.

Mix the oil blend by slowly rolling the bottle in the palms of your hands for 30 to 60 seconds.

Store in a cool, dark place. Use within six months. To apply on your cold sores, use a cotton swab or organic cotton ball.

Transfer the mixture to a dark glass container. Store it somewhere dark and cool. Use it within 3 to 7 days.

You can also add other essential oils to suit your purpose. Ginger essential oil combines well with frankincense, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, neroli, and rose essential oils.

Tip: If you want to make a 5% dilution, combine 5 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. [9]

What are its side effects?

Ginger essential oil is safe in low concentrations. But if you have a known sensitivity to ginger root, it’s better not to use it. A few of its possible side effects are skin rashes, mouth sores, heartburn, nausea, and photosensitivity (so avoid sun exposure within 24 hours after application on your skin).

To make sure you’re not allergic to it, always remember to do a skin patch test. Also, dilute it properly. Essential oil blends that have a percentage dilution between one and five don’t pose any safety concern. [10]

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)

Eucalyptus essential oil is a promising treatment for recurrent herpes infection. The result of a study suggests that eucalyptus essential oil and tea tree oil are more effective when used before or while the virus tries to attach to the susceptible host cell. It wasn’t clear to the researchers which specific compounds of each essential oil are responsible for their antiviral action. [11]

Eucalyptus essential oil also has other health benefits. It’s an immune system booster, so you can fight infections better and prevent another cold sore outbreak.

How to use eucalyptus essential oil for cold sores:

This cream will help ease the itching and redness around your mouth or on your lips.

Grind the colloidal oatmeal into a fine powder using your food processor or blender. Set aside.

Heat the beeswax pellets in a double boiler until they melt. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl.

Once the melted beeswax pellets become slightly cool, add the eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils, almond oil, vegetable glycerin, and powdered colloidal oatmeal. Mix until all the ingredients combine.

Transfer the mixture into your glass jar or bottle. Store in a cool, dark place. Use within one to two weeks.

What are its side effects?

It’s safe if you avoid using it in large quantities or taking it by mouth (unless under your doctor’s supervision). Children under the age of two should never use it, whether topically, by mouth, or through inhalation. Do a spot test prior to use, especially if you have a sensitive skin, to know whether you’re allergic to it or not.

Dispose everything you used properly. Make sure you have garbage bags and a trash bin that you use solely for infectious waste, such as the materials you used for cleaning your cold sores. Label your garbage bag and trash bin appropriately to let others know that they contain infectious waste. In hospitals, they use orange or red garbage bags for infectious waste.

Don’t touch, scratch, or prick your cold sores.

Avoid sexual intercourse, kissing, or oral sex if you feel you’re going to have another outbreak.

To reduce the frequency of cold sores, avoid triggers. Some of them are emotional or mental stress, infections (such as colds), fatigue, sunlight, injury to the affected area, and fever.

Essential oils may help ease the symptoms of cold sores (pain, itching, and redness) and speed up their healing. However, they’re not replacements for medical advice. See your doctor immediately if one or more of these are present:

Your symptoms are severe.

The blisters don’t heal within 14 days.

You have a weak immune system.

Your eyes become irritated.

You have frequent cold sore outbreaks.

Do you think essential oils are effective of treating cold sores? What essential oils have worked for you so far? Don’t forget to share your thoughts below. I’d love to hear them!

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